Gabby Barrett Sparkles and Shines With ‘The Good Ones’

Gabby Barrett was one of “The Good Ones” with a beautiful performance of the No. 1 single at the 2021 CMA Awards.

Barrett brought her most recent hit, “The Good Ones,” to the stage at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville where she was introduced by host Luke Bryan and his fellow American Idol judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, who remarked on getting to witness Barrett shoot to country superstardom after her stint on season 16 of the popular show.

The Pennsylvania native took the stage in an all-white ensemble that included a floor-length satin cape, along with a stunning orchestra and glowing purple lighting behind her. Barrett proved why she was a finalist on Idol, and a four-time nominee at the 55th annual ceremony, with a performance that demonstrated poise and grace. Her strong, yet elegant voice took center stage as she sang the romantic song inspired by her husband Cade Foehner, a fellow Idol contestant and guitar player in her band who also offered gentle harmonies throughout the presentation. Barrett’s enduring vocals awarded her a standing ovation from her peers in the star-studded audience.

Despite being a newcomer with only two singles to her credit so far, Barrett was one of the most nominated artists of the night coming into this year’s CMA Awards show. The former American Idol star was up for Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Single of the Year and Song of the Year (both for “The Good Ones”), and spent 2021 continuing her reign as the genre’s hottest new female star.

In 2020 Barrett scored the most-played song of the year at country radio with her breakout “I Hope,” which led to another flurry of awards show attention, but “The Good Ones” was right behind it. First released in June of last year, it was co-written by the star with Zach Kale, Emily Landis and Jim McCormick, and is now her second straight Platinum-certified Number One.

Back in their usual format after the pandemic-impacted 2020 show, the 55th Annual CMA Awards aired live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 10. The night featured dozens of performances and awards presentation for a glitzy ceremony dubbed “Country’s Biggest Night,” and was hosted by superstar Bryan for the first time. You can check out Sounds Like Nashville’s full coverage here.